Islamabad: The Pakistan government has introduced new facilities, including e-passports for residents of Islamabad, an online passport renewal system, and dedicated passport processing counters, to provide convenience to citizens.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah announced the launch of the robust and reliable passport system in a ceremony held in Islamabad. The launch event was attended by Director General Immigration and Passports Yawar Hussain and Chairman of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Tariq Malik.
Speaking at the launch event, Minister Sanaullah said that the e-passport facility, previously available to diplomatic and government officials, would now be extended to residents of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) initially. This facility would be gradually expanded to other cities across the country. The online passport renewal system enables citizens to conveniently renew their passports through a dedicated web portal, eliminating the need for multiple visits to passport offices. Applicants can easily submit their applications, upload necessary documents, and track the progress of their applications online.
30 passport processing centres
The latest initiative also involves the establishment of 30 passport processing counters at NADRA centres in locations where dedicated passport offices were not available. Trained personnel at these counters will assist applicants in acquiring data and ensure its seamless transfer to Passport HQ for passport printing, the minister added. This collaborative effort consolidates passport processing counters under one roof at NADRA centres, reducing costs associated with maintaining separate passport offices in every district.
The minister emphasised that the move reflects the Pakistani government’s commitment to utilising technology and improving public services. The e-passport facility was initially launched in a limited phase in March 2022 with the aim of facilitating Pakistani citizens, particularly those residing in foreign countries
What is e-passport?
An e-passport has a contactless microprocessor that stores the same information that is printed on the passport’s data page such as the holder’s name, date of birth, passport number, photograph as well as fingerprints, and signatures. The electronic passport adds a special layer of security to the conventional travel document and reduces the risk of fraud. More than 150 countries have rolled out e-passports.
